Millet community peace officer says speeds dropping

The Town of Millet council read a detailed report from community peace officer Chanse Trenholm during their regular council meeting June 14.

Trenholm’s report for May, 2017 included first a report on Millet traffic issues. “Speeding offenses are to a minimum, rarely do people go over the speed limit now,” stated Trenholm in his report.

“In town the occasional stop sign gets ignored; however, traffic doesn’t seem to go fast at the present time.

“The only hot spot for traffic is the playground zone. Most people misunderstand it and confuse it with a school zone.”

The CPO noted he was able to improve markings on a local road that doesn’t allow commercial trucks, 53 Ave. Trenholm said he was able to get Alberta Transportation to put up a sign closer to Hwy #2A to warn truck drivers about the road being a no truck route much earlier.

Also, CPO Trenholm voiced concern about the intersection at Hwy #2A and 45 Ave, by the Fas Gas and Petro Can. “There was a near-collision as I was watching the intersection that the fire department says is bad for people passing on the right and causes a lot of accidents,’ stated Trenholm in his report. “It was around 5 p.m. I ticketed the individual who passed on the right. I have also ticketed a few others at that spot as it is a very dangerous intersection and people should know not to pass on the right, it is not a passing lane.”

Trenholm also noted he would like to conduct some checkstops in conjunction with Alberta sheriffs or RCMP, possibly aimed at seatbelt infractions.

Bylaw complaints

Trenholm reported that a dog bite complaint has been filed with the town. “It is under investigation at the moment and I will have some results end of this week.”

Trenholm said he has been doing a lot of work on property appearance in Millet. “Many properties, not just yards but also vacant estate properties with no buildings have not been kept up or mowed etc.,” stated Trenholm.

“I have approximately six to eight yards to comply with door knockers. A few others had to have a letter delivered, approximately five. Those few are in the middle of complying or already have.”

Trenholm said he’s had about four complaints of dogs who won’t stop barking and some complaints about felines as well. “Cats at large seem to be on the rise,” stated Trenholm. “Taken a few into the shelter recently.”

Councilor Doug Peel, as he read the report, agreed with Trenholm. “I have to agree with him on the cats,” said Peel.

Community relations

Trenholm said he’d like to see Millet operate a positive ticketing program. “Looking into getting donations or some sort of reward system for kids when they do a safe act, wear proper safety gear like a bike helmet, or something of good nature,” stated Trenholm. “Possibly get some donated coupons etc.”

The CPO said he is in regular contact with the Wetaskiwin RCMP detachment, has met the new commander, Inspector Keith Durance, and looks forward to working with him.

He also said he tries to chat with local residents as often as he can and speaks with the local newspaper regularly. “The Pipestone Flyer will be putting in some tips and things for people to be aware of,” stated Trenholm.